Molybdomenite is a rare lead selenite mineral typically found as a secondary mineral in oxidized selenium-rich ore deposits. It is known for forming delicate, pearly-lustered platy or tabular crystals that are often difficult for collectors to acquire.
Is this molybdomenite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch molybdomenite with a known reference. Molybdomenite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Molybdomenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Molybdomenite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Molybdomenite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside molybdomenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with molybdomenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbSeO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 6.08 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary or Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find molybdomenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sierra de Cacheuta, Argentina
- Trogtal, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in sedimentary or volcanic rocks country, the host setting where molybdomenite typically forms. If you start seeing clausthalite, umangite, berzelianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify molybdomenite?+
Where is molybdomenite found?+
How much is molybdomenite worth?+
Is molybdomenite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like molybdomenite?+
What minerals are found with molybdomenite?+
What kind of rock does molybdomenite form in?+
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Find molybdomenite on the map
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